NOBU Marbella

It’s so odd, when you think about it, that chains like the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton don’t exist in the luxury-magnets of Marbella and Puerto Banús. Perhaps it’s because of the strong loyalty to the historic enclaves of the Puente Romano and the Marbella Club Hotel – both of which, surely, put this stretch of coast on the map when it comes to attracting jet-setters, the super-rich, the famous and their hangers-on?

It’s fitting, then, that the first global hospitality brand to arrive on the coast in a long time has made itself a home at the Puente Romano hotel – already home to Dani Garcia’s eponymous two Michelin star restaurant, as well as his Bibo concept, plus Serrafina and Thai Gallery.

The legendary NOBU opened its doors at the beginning of the 2017 summer season, and is already one of the area’s hottest tables – this is NOBU’s first opening in Spain. Hot on its Louboutin heels is the NOBU Hotel, opening next year, also in the Puente Romano, and the helpful PR folk have dubbed it as a “next-generation lifestyle resort, and a holistic destination experience for all guests,” and will be a part of the brand’s massive global roll-out.

Back in the restaurant, it’s business as usual for NOBU with their fusion menu of Peruvian and Japanese flavours. The famous black cod (pictured above) makes an appearance – of course – alongside melt-in-the-mouth wagyu beef (a little too gelatinous for my taste, but my partner gleefully scoffed all 140 euros of it), a handful of “Marbella-inspired” dishes, and a cracking selection of sushi and sashimi. With prices as they are, you can happily expect the freshest, most high quality of ingredients – this is not everyday or even every month dining for mere mortals.

Having dined at other NOBUs globally, our expectations were firmly met, and even exceeded when it came to the adorable, warm, welcoming staff. No pretensions here – at least not from those serving you. And the setting could not be more perfect, looking out over the Puente Romano’s beautiful Plaza Village food area, with live music, the tinkling of glasses and chatter beneath the trees.